Smooth Coated Otter

Smooth Coated Otter Natural History

Size

This species can reach lengths of 1.3 m and can weigh up to 11 kg.

Habitat and Distribution

This species only lives in fresh water habitats such as peat swamps, forest rivers, rice paddies and lakes. They can generally be found in areas where there is not a lot of human habitation. This is an Asian Otter which can be found throughout much of Southern Asia with a small isolated population in marshes throughout Iraq.

Age

In the wild these otters have a typical lifespan of 5-10 years. However, in captivity they can live for up to 20.

Diet

The bulk of their diet is made up of fresh water fish and reptiles. However, they will also eat small birds, rodents, insects, crustaceans and amphibians.

Groups and Breeding

There are big differences in the times during which these animals breed both in the wild and in captivity. In areas where there are no monsoon seasons they may breed at any time, however in areas which are hit by monsoons, they will breed towards the end of this season, with their young being ready for birth after a gestation of 61 – 65 days after the weather has subsided. They may give birth to 2 to 5 young per year, and the mating pair will often form a strong bond, staying together for most of their lives

Threats

These Otters are classed as Vulnerable due to a number of factors including the decline in wet land habitat through their range, increased contamination of fresh water ways with pesticides and a continued trade in their fur (leading to wide spread poaching).

Interesting facts

Otters have two layers of fur, the top fur keeps the bottom one dry to help retain body temperature.

The Smooth Coated Otter During Your Day Out in Kent

At Wingham Wildlife Park we have one male smooth coated otter named Bob and a female named pong. They are on display opposite the European wolf enclosure and can often be seen playing together in their pool. Although, they also have plenty of dry land and platforms to relax on as well as their shelter. We have a daily feed at 12:00 in which our keepers carry out important training which not only allows us to check the pair over for any injuries but also acts as a form of enrichment.

Animal Facts

Opening Hours & Day Ticket Prices

We are open all year round 7 days a week apart from the Christmas period when we are closed on the 25th of December. Please note that we do not accept cheque payment on the gate (with the exception of school groups).

Check our prices section and buy tickets online to save time and money.

Children are not permitted to be in the park unattended, and will not be granted entry without an adult.

Due to having free roaming animals in our park and being covered by the EU BALAI act we do not allow dogs (including guide dogs) in to the park - Remember dogs can die in hot cars, please leave them at home.

Other Ticket Types:

Season Tickets: Pay a one-off price for unlimited entry to the park for a year!

Group rates: are available for groups containing 16 paying persons or more. Including: Brownies, Scouts, Playschemes & Affinity. Group meals can be catered for, please phone before your visit.